Fosamax

What is Fosamax®?

Fosamax® is a bisphosphonate developed by Merck & Co., Inc. to reduce bone loss and increase bone density in patients with osteoperosis or osteopenia. Fosamax® works by inhibiting osteoclast mediated bone resorption activity and is most often prescribed for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis and treatment of Paget’s Disease.

Why is Fosamax® dangerous?

In a letter to prescribing physicians dated March 15, 1996 Merck & Co. warned of possible esophageal problems including esophogitis and esphogeal ulcerations. Some of these cases were severe, even requiring hospitalization. Physicians and patients alike should be aware of this increased risk of severe heartburn and other esophageal reactions including dysphagia, odynophagia and retrosternal pain.

Even more startling are reports of Fosamax® causing osteonecrosis, or bone death, especially in the jaw. According to a 2005 news release from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, roughly 1,600 cases of osteonecrosis had been reported to the FDA and linked to bisphosphonates, including Fosamax®.

The AAOMS release continues, "the drugs can have a very different effect on the bones of the jaws, where the process of ‘remodeling’– the turnover of old bone and replacement with new – occurs at a much faster rate than in any other skeletal region. Here, bisphosphonates can actually disrupt the renewal of healthy bone rather than promote it."

Since 2001, more than 2,400 patients taking Fosamax and other bone-building medications like it have reported bone death in their jaws, mostly after a minor trauma such as getting a tooth extracted. Most of these reports came from people who took potent, intravenously delivered versions of these drugs which are known as bisphosphonates. An additional 120 people who were taking bisphosphonates in pill form such as Fosamax® have suffered from bone, joint or muscle pain leaving them bedridden or in need of walkers, crutches or wheelchairs. Osteonecrosis of the jaw causes severe infections, swelling and the loosening of teeth. Patients often require long term antibiotic therapy or surgery to remove the dying bone tissue.

Do you believe you or a loved one has been injured by Fosamax®? Goldberg & Osborne can help.

The law firm of Goldberg & Osborne is dedicated to helping injured people nationwide and is currently accepting cases for Fosamax® victims. For a FREE case evaluation, please submit an online case form inquiry or call us toll-free at 1-800-THE-EAGLE (1-800-843-3245). If you choose to submit a case inquiry through this website, a legal assistant will call you to evaluate your potential claim.